At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead civil engineering projects from start to finish, ensuring safety and quality.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, pension scheme, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Ongoing training and career development opportunities available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in civil engineering while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing groundworks or civil engineering projects is essential.
Location: Taunton, Somerset
We are looking for a skilled and proactive Site Manager to take the lead on civil engineering projects that include groundworks, earthworks, and infrastructure from initial mobilisation through to final delivery. This role carries full responsibility for ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest standards. You’ll oversee labour, plant, subcontractors, and materials across a range of complex civil engineering projects.
Typical project scope includes:
- Bulk earthworks and site remediation
- Foundations and structural subworks (including substations and retaining structures)
- Drainage systems (deep drainage, attenuation tanks, pumping stations)
- Road construction, kerbing, and surfacing
- Utilities and infrastructure works (S278/S38)
- External works and landscaping
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Site & Operational Delivery
- Oversee daily site operations across groundworks and civil engineering packages
- Plan and programme works, coordinating labour, plant, and subcontractors
- Track and manage labour and plant requirements efficiently
- Supervise excavation, cut & fill activities, and material handling strategies
- Manage site logistics and traffic management where necessary
- Ensure drainage works are installed accurately and tested to required standards
- Maintain full compliance with CDM regulations and internal HSE policies
- Lead site inductions, toolbox talks, and daily briefings
- Review and implement RAMS and lifting plans
- Coordinate temporary works alongside engineering teams
- Drive a strong, proactive safety culture on site
- Interpret technical drawings and specifications with confidence
- Work closely with engineers and surveyors to ensure precise setting out
- Ensure all works meet ITP requirements
- Maintain records including compaction, drainage testing, and as-built data
- Manage QA procedures and handover documentation
- Collaborate with the commercial team on variations and change management
- Monitor costs relating to labour, plant, and materials
- Identify risks to programme and budget early, taking proactive action
- Act as the main on-site contact for clients, consultants, and authorities
- Attend and contribute to progress meetings with clear reporting
- Coordinate with utility providers and statutory bodies as required
REQUIREMENTS
Essential
- Proven track record managing groundworks or civil engineering projects
- Strong technical knowledge of earthworks, drainage, roads, and infrastructure
- SMSTS qualification
- CSCS Black Card (Manager level)
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
Desirable
- First Aid at Work
- Temporary Works Coordinator qualification
- Streetworks (NRSWA) Supervisor
- CPCS/NPORS plant knowledge
- HNC/HND or Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management
KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Strong leadership and team management
- Effective programme planning and sequencing
- Commercial awareness
- Problem-solving and decision-making ability
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Capability to manage multiple work fronts simultaneously
PACKAGE
- Competitive salary
- Company vehicle or car allowance
- Pension scheme
- Performance-related bonus
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities
Site Manager employer: Girling Jones Ltd
Contact Detail:
Girling Jones Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the civil engineering field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and achievements in site management. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical knowledge and project management strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles and how you ensure safety and compliance on site.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to get noticed by us at StudySmarter. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Site Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing groundworks and civil engineering projects, and don’t forget to mention your SMSTS qualification and CSCS Black Card!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, showcase your strong leadership and team management skills. We want to see how you’ve effectively planned and sequenced projects in the past, so give us some solid examples!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, be clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get to the point while still showing your enthusiasm for the role and our company.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the Site Manager position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Girling Jones Ltd
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of civil engineering projects the company undertakes. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences with groundworks, drainage systems, and infrastructure works. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Site Manager, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams on-site, managed subcontractors, and ensured safety compliance. Use specific situations where your leadership made a difference, as this will highlight your capability to manage multiple work fronts effectively.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical knowledge, especially around earthworks, drainage, and interpreting technical drawings. Brush up on relevant regulations like CDM and HSE policies, and be prepared to explain how you’ve applied these in past projects. This will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare to discuss challenges you've faced on-site and how you resolved them. Whether it was managing unexpected delays or coordinating logistics, having clear examples will illustrate your problem-solving skills and decision-making ability, which are crucial for a Site Manager.